Drug driver who thought he should avoid jail for high-speed chase is sent to prison

Shaun William Burton was pursued through Pontefract after he drove past police at speed late on the evening of April 6, Leeds Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Christopher James Smith said they turned on their sirens and blue lights after the 24-year-old's black Vauxhall Astra passed them as they were at the junction of Monkhill Lane and New Hall Road.

The chase took them along Monkhill Avenue, De Lacy Way, Skinner lane, Headlands Lane and Stuart Lane.

Burton reached speeds of up to 70mph in some areas designated as 20mph zones, and at one point an oncoming vehicle had to slam on the brakes to avoid colliding with his Astra.

He eventually came to a stop in a car park where he was arrested.

He was found to be more than twice over the drug-drive limit for cannabis.

Burton, of Park Avenue, Castleford, admitted a charge of dangerous driving and being over the drug-drive limit.

A probationer officer read a report out to the court in which he said Burton failed to provide any explanation for his actions.

He added: "He downplays its seriousness, he did not believe it warranted going to prison.

"He takes limited responsibility."

He added that Burton had worked in construction but was currently unemployed, and has no motivation to stop smoking cannabis which he said he used daily.

Mitigating, Imran Khan said: "He was speeding and he accepts that. He stopped in the car park and to his credit he did not run away."

Judge Christopher Batty told him: "The problem is you are a habitual cannabis user and you like driving your car.

"It can't be tolerated so it's a custodial sentence."

He was given seven months behind bars.